France Eyes Collaboration with India on Long-Range Rockets, Loitering Munitions, and Counter-Drone Capabilities

France Interested in Indian Long-Range and Loitering Weapons

During a visit to Delhi for the UN Troop Contributing Countries Chiefs conference, French Army Chief General Pierre Schill expressed keen interest in Indian military capabilities, particularly long-range rockets, loitering munitions, and counter-drone systems.

General Schill cited the Indian Army’s performance in Operation Sindoor as a key factor informing France’s interest. “The Indian Army is employing these systems with remarkable accuracy, reflecting both the strength of Indian defence industry and operational adaptability,” he said in an interaction with the press.

France has previously considered acquiring an extended-range version of India’s indigenous Pinaka rocket system, which has demonstrated reliability, cost-efficiency, and battlefield precision. Demonstrations of the system to French officials have taken place in the past, underscoring growing bilateral military trust.

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Exploring Co-Development and Emerging Technologies

General Schill suggested that India and France could explore joint development of capabilities for modern and future battlefields, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, and UAV-countermeasures. “Electronic warfare and AI present unique opportunities for collaboration given the operational strengths of both armies,” he noted.

The discussions follow broader global trends where nations are investing in networked and autonomous systems, reflecting a shift toward technology-driven warfare. For France, incorporating India’s proven battlefield-tested systems could accelerate its long-range artillery modernization, including potential adoption of advanced Pinaka variants.

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Strengthening Military Ties Through Joint Exercises

Beyond hardware collaboration, both nations are considering institutionalising annual army exercises, building upon the existing Shakti series of India-France joint drills. General Schill indicated that future exercises could expand in scope and complexity, integrating counter-drone operations, UAV training, and electronic warfare simulations, reflecting the evolving nature of modern combat.

Indian officials, including Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi, welcomed the dialogue, emphasising mutual benefits in technology exchange, interoperability, and strategic alignment in a rapidly changing security environment.

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Strategic Implications

Experts note that India-France defence cooperation could serve multiple purposes: enhancing India’s defence exports, strengthening operational interoperability with a NATO member, and contributing to regional security stability. Counter-drone and loitering munitions capabilities, in particular, are critical as threats evolve across the Indo-Pacific and European theatres.

Analysts also highlight that such partnerships help balance global defence procurement, reducing reliance on a single supplier while fostering indigenous capability development.